The Washington Wizards have had two of the best draft classes in just the last two seasons. The 2024 NBA Draft class trio of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Bub Carrington have all proven to be major contributors throughout their sophomore seasons. The 2025 class followed suit, with Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins looking like exciting young pieces for the future. Watkins seems to have his role secured, being a bench guard with lockdown capabilities.

However, Riley and Johnson hold extremely high upside on the offensive end of the floor. While Johnson takes the mainstream attention, Riley has come on very strong as the season marches towards the home stretch. So, which of the two scorers has the brightest future in the DMV?

Riley vs Johnson: Which Wizards Rookie Has The Brightest Future?

Johnson was drafted sixth overall and immediately deemed a cornerstone of the Wizards’ young core. Riley was picked 21st, and Washington traded for him on draft night. While he wasn’t expected to do much, he’s been on a tear since the All-Star Break and put himself in a prime position for a major offensive role.

While both rookies are up for massive minutes next season, who holds the cards long-term in D.C? Johnson has the immediate attention, but Riley has just as much potential. Who is the better talent, and who becomes the centerpiece of the young core?

Tre Johnson

The Texas product has been one of the better rookies this season. He’s a remarkable deep range threat, shooting 36.4%, which is top 10 for rookies who have played at least 30 games. His offensive game revolves around his shooting; Johnson shoots almost 50% of his shots from three-point range. His elite marksmanship pairs well with his new backcourt mate, Trae Young. Johnson is averaging 12.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists across 57 games this season.

His elite shooting ability has garnered national attention. Johnson’s offensive ability is his mainstream game; however, his defensive ability is the exact opposite. Coming out of college, the rookie’s main critique was his poor defense. He’s making progress, but he still needs major growth on that end of the floor. A plus for Johnson is that Washington’s defensive core can overshadow his weakness. However, to become a more complete player, Johnson has to improve his 125 defensive rating and -2.8 defensive box score.

Johnson has a unique ability that has become very common among young NBA players: his shooting. He’s among the few players in the class with elite marksmanship, but his range extends far beyond the three-point line. He’s an immediate threat as soon as he crosses half-court.

While he’s a pure scorer, his counterpart is a do-it-all threat.

Will Riley

The late first-round pick was largely an afterthought until recently. Riley has been playing consistent minutes since the Wizards jumped into full tank mode, and he hasn’t disappointed. While Johnson’s scoring has remained relatively the same, Riley’s has exploded since January. His ample playing time has allowed him to grow on an NBA hardwood, and his averages continue trending up. Now in March, Riley is putting up 15.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 14 games.

With season averages of 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, the Illinois product hasn’t gotten a full season of opportunity. However, he’s made the most of the last few months. His all-around play is attractive for a Washington squad lacking that type of talent on the bench. While Johnson provides an extreme range and a consistent outside presence, Riley is a legitimate three-level scorer. His defensive abilities also need major work, but his length provides opponents with a slightly more difficult matchup than Johnson.

Riley has provided Washington with a major uplift in scoring. However, his ability extends all over the floor, slightly trailing Johnson from three, but able to get to the paint and score with ease.

The Final Verdict?

While both players will certainly be part of Washington’s young core moving forward, Riley has a much more polished offensive game. That doesn’t mean Johnson can’t become a more complete offensive talent, but Riley has already risen to that level. What will separate the two is their defensive gains moving forward. They both have unique and elite scoring abilities for players under 21; however, each of them must improve on defense. Whoever takes that leap first will begin to separate himself from the other.

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